Formaldehyde
S-437
December 2018
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S-437 | December 2018 Page | 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................... 3
Scope and application .................................................................................... 3
Permissible exposure limit ............................................................................. 3
Exposure monitoring ...................................................................................... 3
Regulated areas ............................................................................................. 4
Methods of compliance ................................................................................... 5
Respiratory protection ................................................................................... 5
Protective equipment and clothing ................................................................. 6
Hygiene protection ......................................................................................... 7
Housekeeping ................................................................................................ 8
Emergencies ................................................................................................... 8
Medical surveillance ....................................................................................... 8
Hazard communication ................................................................................... 11
Employee information and training ................................................................ 13
Recordkeeping ............................................................................................... 14
Appendices ..................................................................................................... 15
Resources ...................................................................................................... 15
Appendix A: Employee information and training ............................................ 16
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Introduction
Exposure to formaldehyde may pose a significant health risk. Oregon OSHA has a
specific standard for formaldehyde, which is what this guide covers. See the References
section of this document for a link to the Oregon OSHA website where the specific
formaldehyde standard can be viewed.
Scope and application
The standard applies to all occupational exposures to formaldehyde. This may be the
result of exposure to formaldehyde gas, solutions, and materials that release
formaldehyde. Solids and any mixture containing formaldehyde are included in the
standard to the extent that they are sources of formaldehyde exposure.
Manufacturers of compressed wood products are a major concern of formaldehyde. The
plastic industry uses formaldehyde based resins. Molding compounds containing
melamine, phenolic, or acetyl resins are capable of releasing formaldehyde when
subjected to heat and/or pressure in the molding process. Formaldehyde releasing
agents are used to add wrinkle-free and durable press characteristics to synthetic and
natural fiber textiles. Formaldehyde bearing resins are used in the coating industry
primarily as modifiers in alkyd and acrylic coating systems. Formaldehyde exposure
may also occur in foundries, the health care industry, cosmetology, the construction
industry, and general office environments.
Occupational exposure limits
The time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit is 0.75 parts per million (ppm) as an
eight-hour exposure. The short-term exposure limit (STEL) is 2 ppm as a 15-minute
exposure. The action level (AL) exposure is 0.5 ppm calculated as an eight-hour TWA
concentration.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) has a TWA
Threshold Limit Value of 0.1 ppm and a STEL of 0.3ppm. The ACGIH® TLV is set to
minimize the potential for sensory irritation, chiefly eye and upper respiratory tract.
Based on the reports of allergic reactions/sensitization following occupational and
non-occupational dermal and respiratory exposures to formaldehyde, DSEN (dermal
sensitization) and RSEN (respiratory sensitization) notations are assigned by the
ACGIH®. Formaldehyde is also classified as an “A2”, Suspected Human Carcinogen by
the ACGIH® and a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC).
Exposure monitoring
All employers are required to monitor for formaldehyde if they have the following
conditions:
▪ Using a product that contains 0.1 percent or more formaldehyde and the
material is capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air under any normal
condition of use at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm.
▪ If employees have signs or symptoms of respiratory or dermal conditions,
exposure monitoring will be initiated.
The final OSHA standard includes both an action level and a 15-minute STEL as triggers
for the initial monitoring and frequency of monitoring requirement. The formaldehyde
monitoring needs to be representative of the employee’s full shift or short-term
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exposure. Representative samples for each job classification need to be taken in each
work area and for each shift. This is not necessary if the employer has objective data to
show the equivalency among the different work areas and shifts.
Initial monitoring requires that the employer must identify all employees who may be exposed
to the following formaldehyde levels:
▪ At or above the action level, or
▪ At or above the STEL
Employer needs to use a representative sampling strategy to characterize employee
exposures unless all exposed employees are sampled. The sampling strategy must
identify exposures based on both the STEL and action level. Initial monitoring needs to
be repeated each time there is a change in the process, production, equipment,
personnel, or control measures that may result in new or additional exposure to
formaldehyde. If the employer receives reports of signs or symptoms of respiratory or
dermal conditions associated with formaldehyde exposure, the employer shall promptly
monitor the affected employee’s exposure.
Periodic monitoring needs to be done if the initial monitoring shows exposures are:
▪ At or above the action level, or
▪ At or above the STEL
If the exposure(s) are at or above the action level, then the monitoring needs to be
repeated at least every six months. If the exposure(s) are at or above the STEL, then
the monitoring needs to be repeated at least once a year under worst conditions.
Monitoring may be terminated if the sample results from two consecutive monitoring periods taken at least seven days apart show that employee exposure is below the action level and STEL.
Accuracy of the monitoring must be at the 95 percent confidence level, to within
plus or minus 25 percent for the TWA and STEL and plus or minus 35 percent for the
action level.
Employee notification of monitoring results must be within 15 days of receiving the
results of the sampling. Notification is to be in writing. The written results may be
distributed to the employees or posted. If results show exposures over the PEL, then
the employer needs to develop and implement a written plan to reduce employee
exposure at or below the PEL and give a written notice to employees including a
description of the corrective action being taken to decrease exposure.
The opportunity to observe the monitoring needs to be provided to the affected
employees or their designated representatives. The employer needs to ensure that
those observing the monitoring are provided with the appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Regulated areas
The employer needs to establish regulated areas if the formaldehyde level exceeds
either the TWA or the STEL. The area is to be posted at all entrances with a sign
that states:
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DANGER
FORMALDEHYDE
CAUSES SKIN, EYE, AND RESPIRATORY IRRITATION AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following sign in lieu of the one above:
DANGER
FORMALDEHYDE
IRRITANT AND POTENTIAL CANCER HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Authorized employees need to be trained to recognize the hazards associated
with formaldehyde. An employer at a multi-employer work site who establishes a
regulated area needs to communicate the restrictions and locations of the regulated
areas to the other employers at the work site.
Methods of compliance
The employer shall use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain
employee exposures to formaldehyde at or below the TWA and the STEL. If the
employer has established that feasible engineering and work practice controls cannot
reduce employee exposure to or below either of the PELs, then the employer must apply
these controls to reduce employee exposures to the extent feasible and shall
supplement them with respirators that satisfy this standard.
Respiratory protection
Respiratory protection needs to be worn when the TWA or STEL is exceeded. Employers
must provide an air-purifying, full facepiece respirator with a canister or cartridge
approved for protection against formaldehyde. However, employers may substitute an
air-purifying, half mask respirator for an air-purifying, full facepiece respirator when
they equip the half mask respirator with a cartridge approved for protection against
formaldehyde and provide the affected employee with effective gas-proof goggles.
The rules require that respirators be provided at no cost to the employee and the employer needs to ensure that respirators are worn properly.
Respirators are to be worn under the following circumstances:
▪ During the time feasible engineering and work practice controls are being installed or implemented
▪ During maintenance and repair activities, vessel cleaning, or other work
operations where engineering controls are not feasible to reduce the exposures
to below the TWA or STEL
▪ In emergency situations
Respirator selection is based on the formaldehyde concentration and type of operation
being performed. If an employee experiences difficulty wearing a negative pressure
respirator, then the employer needs to provide a powered air purifying respirator.
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All cartridges or canisters used must be approved by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Mine Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) for protection against formaldehyde.
Table 1 – Respiratory Protection
Airborne concentration of formaldehyde Required respirators
Not in excess of 7.5 ppm (10x PEL) Half-mask, air-purifying respirator equipped with high efficiency filters
Not in excess of 37.5 ppm (50x PEL)
(1) Full facepiece, air-purifying respirator with high efficiency filters (2) Half-mask powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with high efficiency filters (3) Half mask supplied-air respirator operated in positive pressure mode
Not in excess of 750 ppm (1000x PEL)
(1) Any full facepiece powered, air-purifying respirator with high efficiency filters (2) A full facepiece supplied-air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator in continuous or pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Not in excess of 7,500 ppm (10,000x PEL)
Full facepiece or helmet/hood self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in pressure-demand or other positive- pressure mode
Required respirator usage needs to follow the general Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134 (b)
through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii), (d)(3)(iii)(B)(1), and (2), and (f) through (m), which includes requirements for use, maintenance, fit testing, employee training and program evaluation.
The formaldehyde standard also contains additional usage practices that need to be
followed if exposure exceeds the TWA or STEL. These include:
▪ Fit testing—If negative pressure respirators are worn, then either quantitative or qualitative face fit tests need to be performed. The fit test procedures are to be done for the initial fitting and at least annually.
▪ Cartridge replacement—If air purifying chemical cartridges are worn to reduce
exposure to below the TWA or STEL, then the cartridges need to be replaced
after three hours of use or at the end of the work shift (whichever is sooner),
unless the cartridges have a NIOSH approved end-of-service-life indicator.
▪ Canister Replacement—If canisters are not provided with an end of service-life indicator, then the rules provide for the following replacement schedule:
o Every four hours or end of the work shift in concentrations up to 7.5 ppm
o Every two hours or end of the work shift in concentrations up to 75 ppm for industrial sized canisters
Employees shall be permitted to wash their face and respirator face pieces as needed to
prevent skin irritation from respirator use.
Protective equipment and clothing
Required protective equipment and clothing need to be provided at no cost to
employees, and employer needs to ensure that the employee wears them.
Selection of protective equipment needs to be based on the form of the formaldehyde
used, condition of use, and the hazard to be prevented.
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Potential contact with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde on skin or in the eyes requires the use of:
▪ Skin coverings such as gloves, aprons, and boots that are impervious to formaldehyde
▪ Goggles and face shields for eye and face protection
Full body protection needs to be worn for entry into areas where concentrations exceed 100 ppm and for emergency re-entry into areas of unknown concentration.
Protective equipment and clothing contaminated with formaldehyde need to be repaired, cleaned, or laundered before reuse.
Contaminated equipment and clothing also need to be stored in areas that would minimize employee exposure. Storage containers need to be labeled with a sign that states:
DANGER
FORMALDEHYDE-CONTAMINATED (CLOTHING) EQUIPMENT
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES SKIN, EYE, AND RESPIRATORY IRRITAITON
DO NOT BREATHE VAPOR DO NOT GET ON SKIN
Prior to June 1, 2016, the employer may use the following sign in lieu of the one above:
DANGER
FORMALDEHYDE-CONTAMINATED (CLOTHING) EQUIPMENT
AVOID INHALATION AND SKIN CONTACT
▪ Only trained employees may be assigned to handle, clean, launder or dispose of
contaminated material(s).
▪ Contaminated material is not to be taken home.
The employer needs to inform any person who launders, cleans, or repairs
contaminated equipment clothing of the potentially harmful effects of formaldehyde and
proper precautions to be used.
Hygiene protection
Changing rooms are required when employees need to change from work clothing
into protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Conveniently located, quick-drench safety showers need to be provided if employees’
skin could be splashed by a solution containing 1 percent or greater of formaldehyde.
Employers need to assure that affected employees use these facilities immediately.
Eyewash facilities need to be provided within the immediate work area if formaldehyde
material at 0.1 percent or greater could splash into employees’ eyes.
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Housekeeping
A leak detection and spill control program, including regular visual inspections, must be
implemented if formaldehyde liquid or gas materials are used. The plan needs to
include: ▪ Preventive maintenance, including surveys for leaks, at regular intervals
▪ A spill control program that has provisions for containing a spill,
decontamination of the area, and proper disposal of the material
▪ Clean-up of spills and the repair of leaks need to be done promptly and by
trained employees wearing the proper protective equipment. The employees
need to be trained in proper methods for cleanup and decontamination.
▪ Formaldehyde waste needs to be disposed of in sealed containers bearing a
warning label.
Emergencies
If a possibility of an emergency involving formaldehyde exists, then appropriate
procedures need to be adopted and implemented.
Medical surveillance
A medical surveillance program needs to be instituted for:
▪ Routine screening examinations
▪ Employees exposed to formaldehyde at or above the action level or above
the STEL
▪ Non-routine screening examinations
▪ Employees who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure
to formaldehyde
▪ Employees exposed to formaldehyde in emergencies
The medical surveillance shall be done under the supervision of a licensed physician.
▪ The examination shall be provided at no cost to the employee including no loss of pay and at reasonable time and place.
▪ The examination needs to be made available prior to assignment to a job where
formaldehyde exposure is at or above the action level or above the STEL and
annually thereafter.
▪ The routine examinations need to be provided promptly upon determining that
an employee is experiencing signs and symptoms of possible overexposure to formaldehyde.
Medical questionnaires need to be given to the exposed employees. Appendix D in the Oregon OSHA standard provides a medical questionnaire.
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Medical examinations need to be given to:
▪ Any employee whom the physician feels, based on information in the
medical questionnaire, may be at increased risk from exposure to
formaldehyde; and
▪ At time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter to all employees
required to wear a respirator to reduce exposure
The examinations need to include:
▪ Physical examination with emphasis on evidence of irritation or sensitization of
skin and respiratory system
▪ Pulmonary function tests for respirator wearers
▪ Any other test the examining physician deems necessary to complete the
written opinion
▪ Counseling of employees who have medical conditions that may be directly or
indirectly aggravated by exposure to formaldehyde
Examinations for employees exposed in an emergency need to be made available as
soon as possible to all employees who have been exposed. The examination needs to
include:
▪ Medical and work history with emphasis on any evidence of upper or lower
respiratory problems, allergic conditions, skin reactions or hypersensitivity, and
any evidence of eye, nose, or throat irritation
▪ Any other test the examining physician deems necessary
The employer needs to provide the examining physician with the following information:
▪ A full copy of the Oregon OSHA formaldehyde standard
▪ A description of the employee’s job duties as they relate to exposure to
formaldehyde
▪ Formaldehyde exposure level
▪ Type of personal protective equipment the employee uses
▪ Information from previous medical examination, within control of the employer,
that the current examining physician would not have
▪ In the case of non-routine examinations due to an emergency, the employer
needs to provide as soon as possible a description of how the emergency
occurred and the exposure the victim may have received.
The physician needs to provide the employer a written opinion for each examination.
This written opinion cannot contain any results unrelated to occupational exposure to
formaldehyde. However, it must include:
▪ The physician’s opinion as to whether the employee has any medical condition
that would place the employee at an increased risk to his/her health from
exposure to formaldehyde
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▪ Any recommended limitations on employee’s exposure or use of personal
protective equipment
▪ The physician needs to state that the employee has been informed of any
medical conditions that would be aggravated by exposure and whether these
conditions may have resulted from past exposure. The employee also needs to
be informed if further examination or treatment is needed.
The employer needs to provide for retention of the medical records and shall provide a
copy of the physician’s written opinion to affected employee within 15 days of receipt.
Medical removal
Medical removal applies when an employee reports:
▪ Significant irritation of the eyes or upper airways,
▪ Respiratory sensitization,
▪ Dermal irritation, or
▪ Dermal sensitization attributed to workplace exposure to formaldehyde
These provisions do not apply in the case of dermal irritation or dermal sensitization
when the product suspected of causing the condition contains less than 0.05 percent formaldehyde.
An employee’s report of signs or symptoms as listed above, shall be evaluated by a
physician as stated on page Z-9. If the physician determines that a medical examination
is not necessary, there shall be a two-week evaluation/remediation period to permit the
employer to ascertain whether the signs or symptoms subside untreated or with the use
of prescribed medications or personal protective equipment. Prior to the expiration of
the two-week period, the employee shall be referred immediately to a physician if the
symptoms worsen. Earnings, seniority, and benefits may not be altered during the two-
week period based on the report.
If symptoms have not subsided or been remedied by the end of the two-week period or
earlier, if symptoms warrant, the employee shall be examined by a physician selected
by the employer. The physician shall presume that dermal irritation and sensitization
are not caused by formaldehyde when products employee(s) are exposed to contain
less than 0.1 percent formaldehyde unless contrary evidence exists.
Medical examinations shall be conducted as outlined on page Z-10 and Appendix C of the Oregon OSHA formaldehyde standard.
If the physician finds significant signs or symptoms resulting from workplace
formaldehyde exposure and recommends workplace restrictions or removal, the
employer shall promptly comply. If removal is recommended, the employer shall
remove the affected employee from the current formaldehyde exposure and, if possible,
transfer the employee to work having no or significantly less exposure to formaldehyde.
When removed, the employer shall transfer the employee to comparable work for which
the employee is qualified or can be trained in up to six months. The formaldehyde
exposures must be as low as possible, but not higher than the action level. Earnings,
seniority, and other benefits shall be maintained at the employee’s current levels.
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If there is no such work, the employer shall maintain current benefits until:
▪ Work becomes available
▪ The employee is determined to be unable to return to workplace formaldehyde exposure
▪ The employee is determined to be able to return to original job status, or six months, whichever comes first
A follow-up exam shall be arranged by the employer within six months after removal.
The physician shall determine whether the employee can return to the original job
status, or if the removal is to be permanent. The decision must be made within six
months from the date the employee was removed.
An employer’s obligation to provide earnings, seniority, and other benefits to a removed
employee may be reduced to the extent that the employee is compensated, during
removal period, by a publicly or employer-funded compensation program or from
employment with another employer while removed.
The employer may rely on objective data for determining formaldehyde concentration
in materials.
Multiple physician review
After an employer has selected a physician, the employee may designate a second
physician to review findings of the first physician and conduct similar evaluations as the
second physician deems necessary and appropriate to evaluate the employee.
The employer must promptly notify an employee of the right to seek a second medical
opinion after each occasion that an initial physician conducts a medical examination or
consultation for medical removal or restriction.
The employer may condition its participation and payment for the multiple physician review based upon whether the employee completes the following in 15 days:
▪ Informs employer of intentions to seek a second opinion
▪ Sets up an appointment with a second physician
If the second physician’s opinion differs from the initial physician’s opinion, then
employer and employee shall assure that the two physicians resolve the disagreement.
If they are unable to resolve the disagreeing opinions, the employer and employee shall
designate through their physicians a specialist to do the following:
▪ Review the findings of both physicians.
▪ Conduct necessary examinations, consultations, laboratory tests, and discussions with prior physicians to resolve the disagreement.
Employee and employer may designate a third physician if necessary.
The employer must act in accordance with the findings, determinations, and
recommendations of the third physician, unless an agreement is made with the
employee that is consistent with one of the three physicians’ opinions.
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Hazard communication
A section of the formaldehyde standard provides a definition of what constitutes a
formaldehyde health hazard for purposes of the Hazard Communication regulations. A
formaldehyde health hazard is: “Formaldehyde gas, all mixtures or solution composed
of greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and all materials capable of releasing
formaldehyde into the air under normal condition of use at concentrations reaching or
exceeding 0.1 ppm.”
In addition, for purposes of hazard determination, the formaldehyde standard specifies
that the Hazard Communication Program address, at a minimum, the following
formaldehyde hazards:
▪ Cancer
▪ Irritation and sensitization of the skin and respiratory system
▪ Eye and throat irritation
▪ Acute toxicity
Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide appropriate labels, and Safety
Data Sheets (SDSs) to all downstream product users.
Labels
Employers shall provide that all hazard warning labels comply with the requirements of
the Hazard Communication Code unless inconsistent with the labeling section of the
formaldehyde standard.
For all material listed in paragraph (m)(1)(i) capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels
of 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm, labels shall include the following information as a minimum:
▪ “Contains formaldehyde”
▪ Name and address of responsible party
▪ Statement that physical and health data is readily available from the employer and safety data sheets
For all materials capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels above 0.5 ppm, labels shall
address all hazards as defined in pertinent Oregon OSHA regulations and Appendixes A
and B of the formaldehyde standard, including:
▪ Respiratory sensitization
▪ The words “May cause cancer”
Objective data may be used for anticipated levels of formaldehyde release.
Substitute labels as required by other regulations that impart the same information as
required by this code may be used.
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Safety data sheets (SDSs)
Any employer who uses formaldehyde-containing materials shall comply with the
Oregon OSHA regulation for Hazard Communication standard with regard to the
development and updating of SDSs.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of formaldehyde-containing materials shall
assure that SDSs and updated information are provided to all employers purchasing
such materials at the time of the initial shipment and at the time of the first shipment
after an SDS is updated.
A Written Hazard Communication Program shall be developed, implemented, and maintained for formaldehyde exposures in the workplace by the employer. This program must describe at a minimum how the following requirements are met:
▪ Labeling and any other forms of warning
▪ Material safety and data sheets
▪ Employee information and training
Employee information and training
All employees who are assigned to work in areas where there is a formaldehyde health
hazard need to participate in a training program, except where the employer can show,
using objective data, that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or above
0.1 ppm.
The training and information need to be provided at the time of the initial assignment
and whenever a new hazard from formaldehyde is introduced. Training shall be
repeated at least annually.
The training program needs to include:
▪ Review of the regulations and the contents of the SDS
▪ The purpose and description of the medical surveillance program
▪ A description of the potential health hazards, including the signs and symptoms
of exposure
▪ The need to immediately report any signs or symptoms of exposure to the employer
▪ Description of the work areas where formaldehyde is present and the proper
work practices for limiting exposure
▪ The purpose, proper usage, and limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment
▪ Instruction or handling emergencies, including spills and clean-up procedures
▪ An explanation of the types of controls used for reducing formaldehyde exposure
and any necessary instruction in the use of the controls
▪ A review of emergency procedures, including the specific duties or assignments
of each employee, in the event of an emergency
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The training materials need to be accessible and readily available to all affected
employees without cost to the employees. Employees need to be informed of the
location of written training materials.
Recordkeeping
Employers are required to keep specific and accurate records relating to their
formaldehyde compliance program. This record needs to include:
▪ Date of sampling
▪ Operation sampled
▪ Methods of sampling and analysis and evidence of the accuracy and precision of
the methods
▪ Number, time, duration, and results of the samples
▪ Name, job classifications, social security numbers, and exposure estimates of the
employees whose exposures are represented by the actual monitoring
If the employer determines no air monitoring is necessary, then the objective data
used to make that determination must be retained.
Medical surveillance records need to be maintained, including:
▪ A copy of the protocol used for respirator fit testing
▪ A copy of the fit testing results
▪ Size and manufacturer of the types of respirators available for selection
▪ A copy of the fit testing results
▪ Size and manufacturer of the types of respirators available for selection
▪ Date of most recent fit testing, the name and social security number of each
tested employee, and the type of respirator selected
Record retention time depends on the type of record. The schedule is:
▪ Exposure records—30 years
▪ Medical records—duration of employment plus 30 years
▪ Respirator fit testing—most recent test
Availability of records:
▪ Employer needs to have all records available to representatives of Oregon OSHA.
▪ Employer needs to have exposure and medical records made available to the
affected employees or former employees, or to anyone having the specific
written consent of the employee.
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Appendices
Four appendixes are included in the Oregon OSHA formaldehyde standard.
▪ Appendix A—Substance technical guidelines for formalin. Employers are
specifically required by the standard’s training provision to provide the
employees with the information contained in this appendix.
▪ Appendix B—Sampling strategies and analytical methods for formaldehyde are
designed to aid employers in complying with the requirements
▪ Appendix C—Medical surveillance guidelines for formaldehyde
▪ Appendix D—Non-mandatory medical disease questionnaire provides examining
physicians with the information necessary to conduct the medical surveillance
programs mandated by the standard.
Resources
Oregon OSHA topic page: formaldehyde
https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/topics/formaldehyde.aspx
Federal OSHA safety and health topics: formaldehyde
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/index.html
CDC/NIOSH safety & health topics: formaldehyde
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/formaldehyde/
For more information on chemicals and materials in the workplace visit:
https://www.saif.com/safety-and-health/topics/chemical-and-other-health-
hazards/chemicals-and-materials.html
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Appendix A: Employee information and training example
Introduction
(employer) has designated this formaldehyde
training program to ensure that our employees are provided with information regarding
the hazards and regulations associated with formaldehyde.
The training program includes the following information:
1. Review of the regulations and the contents of the material safety and
data sheets (SDSs)
2. The purpose and description of the medical surveillance program
3. A description of the potential health hazards including the signs and
symptoms of exposure
4. The need to immediately report any signs of symptoms of exposure to the
employer
5. Description of the work areas where formaldehyde is present and the proper work practices for limiting exposure
6. The purpose, proper use, and limitations of personal protective clothing
and equipment
7. Instruction or handling emergencies including spills and clean-up procedures
8. An explanation of the types of controls used for reducing formaldehyde
exposure and any necessary instructions on the use of the controls
9. A review of emergency procedures including the specific duties or
assignments of each employee in the event of an emergency
Formaldehyde standard
The rules apply to products that contain more than 0.1 percent formaldehyde and
during conditions where airborne exposures exceed 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for an
eight-hour average or above the short-term limit of 2 ppm.
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Medical surveillance
Medical surveillance helps to protect your health. You are encouraged strongly to
participate in the medical surveillance program we have developed.
The program makes medical surveillance available to employees at no cost who are
exposed to concentrations of formaldehyde above 0.5 ppm as an eight-hour average or
2 ppm over any 15 minutes. Those work locations include: (Note: This would not be
listed if routine exposures are below the required exposure levels).
1.
2.
3.
If you work in one of the listed locations, you will be offered medical surveillance at the
time of your initial assignment and once a year afterward as long as your exposures
exceed the action and short-term exposure levels.
If your exposures are below these levels and you experience signs and symptoms that
you relate to your formaldehyde exposure, you may also need medical surveillance to determine if your health is being affected by your exposure.
The surveillance program includes:
1. A medical disease questionnaire
2. A physical examination if the physician determines this is necessary, based
on your medical questionnaire
If you are required to wear a respirator, then you will need to have a pulmonary
function test annually. The required respirator protection areas are:
1.
2.
After a medical examination, the physician will provide your employer with a written
opinion that includes any special protective measures recommended and any
restrictions on your exposure. For future information, please refer to the
formaldehyde standard section on medical surveillance and Appendix C of
the standard.
The formaldehyde containing products used in our workplace are:
Produce Location/Usage
1.
2.
3.
The SDSs for those products state (Review contents of plant SDSs).
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Health effects and signs and symptoms of exposure:
The potential health effects from formaldehyde exposure include both immediate or acute effects and long-term chronic health conditions.
Acute effects of exposure:
Ingestion: Liquids containing 10 to 40 percent formaldehyde cause severe irritation
and inflammation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Ingestion of dilute solutions of 0.03 to 0.04 percent may cause discomfort in the stomach and throat.
Inhalation: Formaldehyde is highly irritating to the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
The following effects are commonly reported at the concentrations shown below:
Concentrations of 0.5 to 2 ppm may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat of
some individuals.
Concentrations of 3 to 5 ppm also cause tearing of the eyes and are intolerable to some persons.
Concentrations of 10 to 20 ppm cause difficulty in breathing, burning of nose and
throat, cough, and heavy tearing of the eyes.
Concentrations of 25 to 30 ppm cause severe respiratory tract injury leading to
pulmonary edema and pneumonitis.
A concentration of 100 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health.
Skin: 37 percent solution is a severe skin irritant and is seen as a sensitizer by some.
Contact with the solution causes white discoloration, smarting, drying, cracking, and scaling. Prolonged and repeated contact can cause numbness and a hardening or tanning of the skin.
Eye contact: Formaldehyde solutions splashed in the eye can cause injuries ranging
from transient discomfort to severe, permanent corneal clouding and loss of vision. The
severity of the effect depends on the concentration of formaldehyde in the solution and
whether or not the eyes are flushed with water immediately after the accident.
Chronic effects of exposure:
Cancer agent: Formaldehyde has the potential to cause cancer in humans. Repeated
and prolonged exposure increases the risk. Various animal experiments have shown
formaldehyde to be a cancer agent in rats. In humans, formaldehyde exposure has
been associated with cancer of the lungs, nose, and throat.
Mutagen: Formaldehyde in experimental studies has been shown to change cellular
structures.
Respiratory toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure to formaldehyde may result in
respiratory impairment. Some persons have developed asthma or bronchitis following
exposure to formaldehyde, most often as the result of an accidental spill involving a
single exposure at high concentrations.
Any employee having any possible signs or symptoms of exposure needs to report this
immediately to (supervisor, safety director, occupational nurse).
Formaldehyde
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Areas of possible formaldehyde exposure and controls:
Formaldehyde exposures are found in the following locations:
1.
2.
The exposures are controlled to within (Exposure Levels) by the usage of various control measures including:
1. Low formaldehyde-containing products
2. Ventilation/exhaust systems
3. Proper usage of respirators and personal protective equipment
4. Proper work practices that reduce exposure time and proximity to the process
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE is provided to reduce exposure of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
We have provided the following PPE for your use during the following
work procedures:
1. Gloves are required to be worn when there is a potential for skin contact
with products containing more than 1 percent formaldehyde.
2. Goggles are required for prevention of splashes in the eyes when
products containing more than 0.1 percent formaldehyde are used.
3. Respirators are required to be used in areas with exposures that exceed the
Permissible Exposure Limit of 0.75 ppm of the Short-Term level of 2 ppm. In
our facility, this includes the following areas or tasks: a.
b.
4. The PPE needs to be used as directed by your supervisor and within the
guidelines listed by the manufacturers.
5. If any of the PPE or other controls does not appear to be
performing or functioning correctly, please immediately inform
your supervisor.
Emergencies
This includes our procedures for handling spills and other unexpected releases of
formaldehyde. The specific procedures are provided on the product SDSs under
emergency information. We have provided each of the areas with spill kits and proper
PPE. The formaldehyde standards provide emergency handling procedures for formalin
(37 percent free formaldehyde).